Regular coumarin consumption can potentially cause liver problems. [2] X Expert Source Erica Docimo, L. Ac. , Dipl. O. M. Licensed Acupuncturist & Herbalist Expert Interview. 5 October 2021. It can also interfere with diabetes medication, so check with your physician to ensure that it is safe for you to use cinnamon.
If you are buying it to season your food, go for a powder. Add a stick to the pan when you are cooking rice. If your doctor has advised you to take cinnamon as part of your attempts to manage your blood sugar levels, you can buy cinnamon extract from health food stores which have had the coumarin completely removed. [4] X Research source
The anti-microbial properties of cinnamon are such that it has been cited as a [natural food] preservative. [7] X Research source
A cinnamon stick is good for making drinks but is harder to measure how much you are consuming.
There are dangers associated with taking too much cinnamon so limit yourself to a teaspoon a day, which is equivalent to 4 or 5 grams. [11] X Research source If you have diabetes, consult with your physician about the impact of cinnamon on your blood sugar levels. Never substitute cinnamon for insulin.
Try a cinnamon tea (a teaspoon of cinnamon dissolved in hot water) after a meal. [13] X Expert Source Erica Docimo, L. Ac. , Dipl. O. M. Licensed Acupuncturist & Herbalist Expert Interview. 5 October 2021. Or add half a teaspoon to your post-meal coffee.
Fibre also helps those with irritable bowels, and can help relieve constipation or diarrhea. [16] X Research source
Although cinnamon tastes delightful when mixed with baked goods, adding cinnamon to fatty foods will not help you lower your cholesterol.
Although some evidence suggests that cinnamon can help to regulate blood sugar levels for those with type two diabetes, it should never be used as a replacement for insulin. [19] X Research source
As ever, you should consult a Doctor before regularly consuming cinnamon for health benefits.
Smell the cinnamon to check for freshness. Make sure it has a sweet smell — a true indicator that it is fresh. Choose organically grown cinnamon to ensure that it has not been irradiated. Irradiating cinnamon may lead to a decrease in its vitamin C and carotenoid content.
